Preheat the oven to 400Â°. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment. Arrange the bacon on the paper and bake for 8 minutes, until almost crisp. Drain the oil from the baking sheet. Sprinkle the bacon with the sugar and bake for 8 minutes, until glazed; cool.

Stir the water, orange juice and sour cream into the saucepan. Working in batches, puree the soup until smooth. Return the soup to the saucepan; season with salt and pepper. Reheat the soup, then ladle into bowls and serve with the bacon. Alternatively, the soup can be chilled and served cold.

NOTESÂ Maple sugar is made from the boiled sap of the sugar maple tree. It’s available at health-food stores.